Catherine McDermott, Co-Chair of ICOM UK, speaks to Ruth Gooding, Arts Development Manager/Curator at Thelma Hulbert Gallery in Honiton, East Devon.
Ruth, would you please introduce the gallery to ICOM UK members?
Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG), Honiton, hosts an acclaimed exhibition and learning programme of contemporary art and craft exhibitions, alongside a permanent display of works by artist Thelma Hulbert. It is owned and managed by East Devon District Council. THG operates as a ‘cultural hub’, supporting communities in their health, environment and well-being through a programme of exhibitions, events and workshops, which inspire, challenge and excite.
The gallery and its offsite programme ‘THG Out & About’ including the ‘Creative Cabin’, and most recently Arts and Culture East Devon (ACED), work to support innovation in rural cultural production through partnership and collaboration.
What did THG deliver during the pandemic?
During the pandemic we were determined to support our communities and quickly and imaginatively redesigned our programme, developing touring and online projects, new commissions and creative resources. In August 2020, we redesigned and repurposed an existing trailer into a new travelling creative space – the Creative Cabin. This fun and creative space helped communities explore art and nature in their neighbourhood safely during the pandemic. The Cabin, which can host a broad range of activities including talks, films, performances and workshops, took nature and culture on tour in a ‘Recovery Roadshow’, reaching and connecting rurally isolated communities and those most in need.
The programme included talks by Richard Long as part of ARTIST ROOMS, Preston Street Union artist collective, Double Elephant Print workshop and much more.
Furthermore during the pandemic THG identified the vital role the organisation could play in supporting East Devon’s cultural recovery. In February 2021, THG launched Arts and Culture East Devon (ACED), a forum connecting the artistic communities of East Devon and providing a central platform to engage, network, promote and talk about arts and culture across the region.
Would you describe some of the key projects are you developing to build audiences after Covid?
Next year we are launching ‘Towards a new model for inclusive rural cultural production’ a programme of exhibition, events and workshops which explore inequality and environmental injustice, while celebrating individual creative expression. Exhibiting artists include Mikhail Karikis and Ingrid Pollard The programme of film, painting, sculpture and craft takes place across two towns and will tour across the district in our Creative Cabin. We hope to re-engage audiences post-pandemic, increase diversity and develop new contemporary art audiences.
THG has now developed a much greater focus on arts and cultural development, stabilising the regions cultural ecology. We will be working with consultants to deliver the cultural strategy for East Devon District Council, consulting with our communities through ACED, Arts and Culture East Devon.
What are the key challenges are you facing?
We are most challenged by the funding climate and lost audience confidence. One of our approaches to maximise visitor reach and enjoyment of our ambitious 2022 Spring programme, is to collaborate with leisure provider Leisure East Devon to develop a sister exhibition space in Ocean, Exmouth. This large multi-use, sea front venue enables us to adhere to social distancing requirements (if required) and continue to programme large events, thus bringing art and culture to wider audiences.
What future plans can you share with ICOM members?
In 2022 we will continuing delivering ‘Climate Conversations’ a programme of events which creatively explore the climate emergency working with our partners Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the University of Exeter. Communities are encouraged to come together to explore this shared challenge through art and culture.
Thank you Ruth for sharing your experiences and plans.
